What Dates a House?

Monday, July 10, 2017

Getting your property ready to market is very personal. The key is to tailor make a marketing strategy with a professional. They should assess not just the value of your home based on the current market but give you advice about how to achieve the best result for you.

If you are looking to maximise the value of your home and make it appeal to more buyers one thing you should be thinking about is changes you can make to update your surroundings. It can be hard to look at your own home objectively so we have compiled a list of things that can make any house feel old and outdated. Even if your property is in tip top condition buyers who percieve that there is work to be done - no matter how superficially - will be more tempted to try to justify putting in a lower offer.

1. Dark Wood Panelling
Popular in the 1960s and '70s many homeowners have phased out the dark and dreary feature in favour of neutral or brightly painted drywall. If you have real wood panelling, consider bleaching or painting over it to freshen it up. If, however, the walls are covered by sheets of wood-look panels, pull them off now!

2. Carpet Everywhere
There was a time when wall-to-wall carpeting was a luxurious must-have, (even in the bathroom!) but these days it’s all about hardwood. Although carpeting adds comfort underfoot and absorbs sound—which is especially important in bedrooms—consider upgrading to wood on the main floor of your home.

3. Aertex Ceilings
Despite their current lack of popularity, aertex covered ceilings are still around today in lots of homes, because removal of these ceilings, some of which contain asbestos, can be expensive, messy, and potentially health threatening. But look into smoothing things out because it is a look that really can date a room.

4. Coloured Fixtures
Pink toilets, avocado baths and blue sinks were popular in the 1950s—so if they’re still in your home, that's a clear sign that no one's remodelled since then! But before you renovate, be aware that these throwback fixtures are still popular among a certain set, so see if you can find your old porcelain a new home.

5. Shiny Gold Fittings
In the early 1990s, when we wanted to emulate a Dynasty lifestyle, shiny brass faucets, light fixtures, and hardware were the norm, beloved for their flashy sheen. Though gold-toned hardware is on its way back into style, these newer versions are more muted in tone and feature rounded or geometrically inspired silhouettes instead of the clunky shapes of 20 years ago.

So to maximise your homes potential why not ear mark some weekend time to plan a few upgrades and get your property market ready. For more information give us a call and let one of our profession property consultants help tailor make a marketing plan for your home.

Important Information
All property sales and the financial advice that surrounds them are as unique as the people engaging in the transaction. It is important to not make a decision without seeking professional advice. If you want to sell your home and are considering redecorating before marketing, speak to one of our Property Professionals to get the best advice for presenting your home for sale before making any investment.